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If you’re starting your SAT prep and wondering what math topics are on the SAT, you’re in the right place.
The digital SAT math section tests topics you’re likely learning in high school, including Algebra, Advanced Math (such as exponents and quadratics), Problem Solving and Data Analysis (such as rates and statistics), and Geometry/Trigonometry. The digital SAT includes 44 math questions split evenly across 2 modules (35 minutes each), with 75% multiple-choice and 25% SPR. A calculator is allowed on all questions.
Keep reading for a full breakdown of SAT math topics, question types, and smart study strategies to help you boost your score.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The Math Section of the SAT
- What Math Does the SAT Cover?
- There Are Many SAT Math Subtopics
- Don’t Try to Predict Which SAT Math Topics You’ll See
- How to Study for SAT Math
- There Are Two SAT Math Question Types
- A Note About the SAT Math Calculator
- SAT Math Section Breakdown Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Let’s first discuss the general format of the math section of the SAT.
The Math Section of the SAT
The SAT is divided into 2 main sections: the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Each section is adaptive and split into 2 modules. What’s more, the Math section allows the use of a calculator throughout — no portion is calculator-restricted. Below is a breakdown of the math section on the digital SAT.
| Math Module | Number of Questions | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 22 | 35 minutes | 75% of questions are multiple choice; 25% are fill-in-the-blank |
| 4 | 22 | 35 minutes | |
| Totals | 44 | 70 minutes |
Now that we see the basic structure of the SAT math section, let’s look at the breakdown of topics and question types.
What Math Does the SAT Cover?
The good news about the math topics on the SAT is that you are learning many of them right now in your high school math classes. Thus, as you move through SAT math, many topics, and even some of the advanced math topics, may seem familiar to you.
Regarding the topics tested, let’s first look at how the folks at the College Board define the 4 main categories of SAT math that you will see on the exam. Notably, there have not been any new SAT math topics added for a number of years.
The 4 main categories of SAT math:
- Algebra
- Advanced Math
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
KEY FACT:
SAT math is broken into 4 major categories by the College Board.
The above SAT math subjects seem a bit esoteric, so let’s dig into what math is on the SAT in each category.
Algebra:
- Solving Linear Equations
- Inequalities and Absolute Value
- Coordinate Geometry
- Linear Functions
- Systems of Linear Equations
Advanced Math:
- Exponents
- Roots
- Quadratic Equations
- Functions
- Coordinate Geometry
- Graph Interpretation
- Table Data
Problem Solving and Data Analysis:
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Unit Conversions
- Ratios
- Statistics
- Percents
Geometry and Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
As we can see, there are about 20 major SAT topics. However, it’s important to understand that there are hundreds of subtopics within those major topics. Let’s discuss that now.
There Are Many SAT Math Subtopics
You may think that the list of 20 major math topics doesn’t seem like much. However, there are hundreds of subtopics to learn within those major topics. For example, consider the topic of Quadratic Equations. In learning that topic, you must learn about subtopics such as FOILing, factoring, graphs of parabolas, x- and y-intercepts, and more.
In short, to succeed on the SAT, you must learn hundreds of math subtopics.
KEY FACT:
Under the umbrella of the 20 major math topics on the SAT are hundreds of subtopics.
Although you must learn all of these subtopics to prepare for SAT math, predicting which subtopics you’ll actually see on test day really isn’t possible. Let’s discuss.
Don’t Try to Predict Which SAT Math Topics You’ll See
If you have been studying for the SAT, you’ve seen many of the College Board’s official practice questions. Thus, you may have a sense of the kinds of questions you might see on the SAT. However, the exact makeup of your SAT is difficult to predict.
Despite the release of numerous official SATs, you can’t assume that what you see on those exams will be exactly what you see on test day. For example, the College Board has released 7 official digital practice exams, for a total of 44 x 7 = 308 math questions on those exams. Additionally, the College Board has released 3 paper SAT tests, which provide you with 44 x 3 = 132 additional math questions. In contrast, your SAT will contain just 44 math questions. Thus, there are many questions on practice tests that you will not see on your SAT. Likewise, those 440 practice questions do not encompass every possible question type you can encounter on the SAT.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s very useful to carefully review those 10 practice exams. But if you bank your SAT math score just on those 440 questions, you will most likely have an unpleasant surprise when your SAT score is posted.
Therefore, if you’re wondering, “What math is on the SAT the most?” unfortunately, there is no specific answer to that question. To set yourself up for success, learn all SAT math categories.
TTP PRO TIP:
Don’t try to predict the exact makeup of your SAT.
With that point in mind, let’s discuss a great way to learn SAT math.
How to Study for SAT Math
Thus far, we’ve discussed how learning a wide range of concepts is necessary to succeed in SAT math. A great way to learn all of these topics is through topical learning. Specifically, topical learning entails learning 1 topic at a time and focusing solely on that topic until you have mastered it. By studying in this way, you can ensure that you truly learn each topic before moving to the next one.
Do you think it would be effective to jump from Linear Equation questions to Functions to Geometry questions? I think you know the answer!
Generally, learning an SAT math topic takes time, care, and attention. Thus, jumping around from topic to topic will hinder your ability to learn.
TTP PRO TIP:
Learn each SAT math topic one at a time.
Next, to get a better idea of how topical learning works, let’s take a look at the Target Test Prep (TTP) study plan.
Topical Learning with Target Test Prep
The cornerstone of the TTP study plan is topical learning and practice. The study plan is broken up into missions, each of which contains 1 major math topic. In particular, students learn that topic and then answer practice questions about that topic until they master it.
For example, mission 3 is the Quadratic Equations chapter. So, the first task in that mission is to learn all about quadratic equations. Topics include FOILing quadratics, factoring quadratics, quadratic identities, the quadratic formula, completing the square, etc.
After finishing a particular section, you answer a few example questions to practice what you just learned. Then, at the end of the chapter, you take chapter tests rated by level of difficulty to drill every concept that was presented in that chapter.
Now that you’ve seen topical learning in action, you should have a good idea of how to structure your math studies. Next, let’s review the 2 types of math questions on the SAT: multiple choice and Student-Produced Response (SPR) questions.
There Are Two SAT Math Question Types
The 2 types of SAT math questions are multiple choice and SPR.
Of the 44 math questions on the SAT, you will encounter roughly 75% multiple-choice questions and 25% SPR questions.
Next, let’s discuss each question type in further detail, starting with multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple-choice SAT math questions are a question type with which you are very familiar, except for 1 twist. Usually, multiple-choice questions have 5 answer choices (A, B, C, D, and E). However, multiple-choice questions on the SAT have only 4 answer choices (A, B, C, and D).
KEY FACT:
Multiple-choice questions on the SAT have 4 answer choices.
Keep in mind that all of the 22 major math topics on the SAT are fair game for multiple-choice questions. Let’s practice with an example.
Multiple-Choice Question 1
Which of the following describes the domain of the function v(x) = x^5 + x^3?
- x > 5
- x < 3
- The domain is all real numbers.
- 3 < x < 5
Solution:
First, recall that the domain of a function specifies all allowable x values. Generally, for SAT purposes, we have domain restrictions when we have (1) a denominator that is equal to 0 or (2) a function for which we would take the square root of a negative number. For example, if we had f(x) = 2/(x – 4), we would have a domain restriction of x = 4 because that value would make the denominator of the fraction equal to 0. A second example would be sqrt(x – 5). If x were any number less than 5, then we would be taking the square root of a negative number.
Clearly, the domain of the function v(x) has no restrictions, since we can take any real number to the fifth power or the third power, and we can add these two quantities for any real value of x. Thus, the domain of v(x) is all real numbers.
Answer: C
Let’s try 1 more.
Multiple-Choice Question 2
Harold is 30 years older than Paloma. If in 10 years, Harold will be 3 times as old as Paloma will be then, how old will Harold be in 3 years?
- 38
- 33
- 28
- 24
Solution:
The major topic tested here is General Word Problems, and the subtopic is age problems.
First, let’s define two variables:
H = Harold’s age today
P = Paloma’s age today
Next, we can create two equations from the information presented in the problem stem.
Since Harold is 30 years older than Paloma, we have:
H = P + 30
In 10 years, Harold will be (H + 10) years old, and Paloma will be (P + 10) years old. Thus, at that time, Harold will be 3 times as old as Paloma, and we have:
H + 10 = 3(P + 10)
H + 10 = 3P + 30
H = 3P + 20
Next, we can substitute P + 30 for H in the second equation:
P + 30 = 3P + 20
10 = 2P
5 = P
Thus, Harold is currently 5 + 30 = 35 years old, so in 3 years, he will be 38 years old.
Answer: A
Now, let’s discuss SAT student-produced response (SPR) questions.
SPR Questions
Technically, the makeup of SPR questions differs from that of multiple-choice questions. An SPR question will always have a numerical answer with no variables in the answer. It’s important to note, too, that many of these questions have multiple possible answers, but you need to enter only 1 of these correct answers. What’s more, a change to note from the previous version of the SAT is that SPR questions can now be negative.
Despite those differences, the skills needed to answer an SPR question do not differ from those required to answer a multiple-choice question. Thus, the primary difference between multiple-choice questions and SPR questions is that there are no answer choices to select from in an SPR question.
TTP PRO TIP:
The only real difference between multiple-choice questions and SPR questions is that SPR questions do not have given answer choices.
The digital SAT has very specific rules for entering your SPR responses into the response grid. For example, if you calculate your answer as the fraction ⅔, or 0.666666…, you will receive no credit for a correct answer if you grid your response as the decimal 0.66 or 0.67. You will, however, get full credit if you grid in your decimal answer as 0.666 or 0.667, which are both correct to 3 decimal places. Truly, it is important to know the SPR rules before test day!
Let’s now practice with a couple of SPR examples.
SPR Question 1
If a and b are positive integers and 312 = 3a3b, what is one possible value of a x b?
Solution:
Since 3a3b = 3a+b, we can rewrite the given equation as 312 = 3a+b. Since our base is 3 on both sides of the equation, a + b must be equal to 12. Thus, we need to determine the 2 values whose sum is 12.
Because a and b must be positive integers, there are only a handful of options for their values: {1, 11}, {2, 10}, {3, 9}, {4, 8}, {5, 7}, and {6, 6}. The products of these pairs are: 11, 20, 27, 32, 35, and 36.
Therefore, any of the values 11, 20, 27, 32, 35, or 36 are correct.
Answer: 11, 20, 27, 32, 35, or 36
Remember that sometimes there are multiple correct answers to an SPR question. You need to enter only 1 of them into the grid to get the question correct.
Let’s try another question.
SPR Question 2
Alvin accidentally spilled his marble collection on the floor. If he was able to recover 24 of the original 120 marbles, what fraction of his marble collection was he able to recover?
Solution:
The problem gives us these 2 pieces of information:
Number of recovered marbles = 24
Total number of marbles = 120
Thus, we know that the fraction of recovered marbles is 24/120.
This answer cannot fit into the 5 allowable spaces in the grid. Thus, we have 2 options: (1) reduce the fraction or (2) convert the fraction to a decimal number.
(1) Reduce the fraction:
Since both 24 and 120 are divisible by 24, we can divide the numerator and denominator by 24:
24/120 = ⅕.
Thus, you can enter this fraction into the grid.
(2) We can convert the fraction 24/120 to a decimal value:
24/120 = 0.2.
Because 0.2 is the exact decimal equivalent to the fraction, we can enter it into the grid as 0.2 or as .2.
Answer: 1/5 or 0.2
Now that we’re familiar with the look and feel of the 2 SAT math question types, let’s discuss calculator use during the SAT.
A Note About the SAT Math Calculator
A calculator can be used on all math questions on the SAT. Happily, you have the choice of bringing your own or using the built-in Desmos calculator on the Bluebook app.
KEY FACT:
A calculator can be used for all math questions on the SAT.
A calculator is definitely a tool that can significantly help you on the SAT. However, it’s worth noting that even though a calculator is allowed, it does not have to be used for all questions. In other words, use the calculator when it makes you more efficient, and avoid it when it does not.
The College Board has a list of acceptable SAT calculators. We recommend using either a graphing or a scientific calculator because they have greater capabilities than a 4-function calculator.
Ensure that you are comfortable using the calculator that you take to the SAT. Notably, graphing and scientific calculators require practice and familiarity to be effective tools during your exam. If you choose to use the built-in Desmos calculator, be sure you are comfortable using it before test day.
TTP PRO TIP:
Use a scientific or graphing calculator on the SAT.
SAT Math Section Breakdown Summary
- On the SAT, there are 2 math modules, each consisting of 22 questions. You are given 35 minutes for each section.
- SAT math includes 2 question types: multiple-choice questions, which have 4 answer choices, and SPR (student-produced response) questions.
- A calculator can be used for all math questions on the SAT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many math questions are on the SAT?
There are a total of 44 math questions.
How many math sections are on the SAT?
There are 2 math modules on the SAT.
How long is the SAT math section?
The SAT math section time is 70 minutes in total.
What is tested on the SAT math section?
The topics are generally those you have learned in high school math classes. A breakdown of SAT math topics includes:
Basic arithmetic, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, roots, exponents, absolute values, general word problems, rates, unit conversions, ratios, percents, statistics, graph interpretation, table data, geometry, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and functions.
Is SAT math hard?
SAT math is not a walk in the park. However, if you give yourself plenty of time to study, use a great study resource, and keep your motivation level high, there is no reason why you can’t excel in SAT math.
What math topics are on the SAT?
It’s best to break down SAT math into 20 major topics (as we’ve done in this article).
What are 10 tips for the SAT math section?
If you need some tips for the SAT math section, then look no further than our blog about improving your SAT math score.
What’s Next?
Now you know all about the structure of the SAT math section and the types of questions asked. If you want more information about how to tackle your SAT prep, take a look at my article about how to get started with SAT studying.
If you’re aiming for an SAT score in the top 10%, be sure to read our blog with strategies for getting a high SAT score.
